Random ramblings that may or may not mean something

Boston and Sports

I go to school in North Carolina but I’m from Boston. After this week, with the Boston Marathon bombings on Monday and the showdown at Watertown on Friday, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from people in NC about why it matters that other city’s sports teams show support for Boston teams. Especially since what happened had nothing to do with sports and the teams weren’t anywhere near the Boston Marathon. Since I’ve gotten so many questions, I figured I’d write a little something here incase other people are wondering the same thing. Personally I feel like sports are a catalyst for hope. I can’t explain it but to have the New York Yankees say “hey, we got your back” feels truly amazing. It helps me deal with what’s going on in a way that seems almost normal. What happened in Boston is a big thing for anyone to wrap their head around. Sports are a way to heal from that. Another thing is that Boston sports teams are a huge part of the Boston community. We think of the Red Sox, the Bruins, the Celtics, and the Patriots as our boys. We stand behind them 100%, and in return the athletes have a huge space in their hearts for the people of Boston. So even though they’re from all around the country and the world, they’re all Bostonians. And when someone attacks our home, everyone is affected. To see other teams show support for our’s feels really great. We know they’re being taken care of. Here are some examples of support from this week. These are only a handful out of many. Ballparks across the country also played Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond before, during, or after games. Sweet Caroline is a Fenway favorite.

Chicago Tribune’s sports page on Tuesday

Phillies Outfielder Ben Revere

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle wears a warm up jersey with the name Martin Richard, an 8 year old boy killed in the blast at the finish line

Hats worn by Mississippi State’s baseball team

Pittsburg Penguins’ helmets

National Anthem tribute by the New Jersey Devils

Heralded as the biggest rivalry in sports, the New York Yankees stand with Boston

A 7 year old Cleveland boy gave Red Sox’s 2nd baseman, Dustin Pedroia, this note before the Boston Red Sox played the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night. Dustin hung it in the dugout.